Monday, December 15, 2014

Tortured Souls *Freebie, Review, & Giveaway*

*Review located at bottom*



I am thrilled to announce that Tortured Souls will be FREE on Amazon from
December 15, 2014 through December 19, 2014.
Be sure to grab your copy before it's too late!




Tortured Souls
The Orion Circle #1

Kimber Leigh Wheaton

YA Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
June 30, 2014
Sea Dragon Press

FREE on Amazon 12/15 - 12/19/14




Sometimes Rest in Peace isn't an option

Kacie Ramsey sees ghosts—and it's ruining her life. Her mother left, her father blames her, and no matter how hard she tries, she can't keep the ghosts away. Now a new power has emerged. Nightly visions of grisly murders and a relentless predator draw her to the brink of insanity.

When the phantom appears at a party, Kacie's longtime crush, Logan, saves her. He invites her to join the Orion Circle, a group of supernatural hunters with chapters in schools all over the country. Through the Circle, Kacie learns to embrace her spiritual powers, and for the first time in her life she feels in control rather than a victim.

But the Foxblood Demon will not give up so easily. A demented serial killer in life who trapped the souls of the thirteen children he murdered, imprisoning them within the walls of his mansion. Now in death, he plots his return while drawing power from the pure souls of the children. He recognizes something in Kacie he's never seen before—a medium powerful enough to provide a vessel for his tainted soul.

Kacie can't ignore the tortured souls of the children crying out to her every night. With Logan at her side, she will fight the Foxblood Demon. But can they banish this powerful phantom, or will Kacie lose not only her body, but her eternal soul to the monster.







About the Author

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.



Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


My Thoughts:
 Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed Tortured Souls. The main characters were a little younger than I am used to, so at times, when I thought the dialog was cheesy, I had to remind myself of that fact. Other than some of the dialog, the story seemed like it's target audience should have been older. I won't say it was graphic, but some of the story line involving the murders really freaked me out! 

All the characters were well written and easy to like. I enjoyed the fact that each member of the Orion Circle had their own special gift to offer. I do wish Gavin would have had a little more to do with the story. He was the only character I didn't really make a connection with. 

 Normally I do not like anything that has to do with 'ghost hunters'. All those T.V. shows - I hate them. I found that when attached to a fiction book, I really get into the idea. I loved the story line about the cult leader and what all he did to trap the souls in the earthly realm. It was intense and really freaky. I couldn't put the book down waiting on everyone to figure out the secrets of his plot. 

 If you are up for a gruesome story about teenagers trying to rid the world of one seriously bad guy then Tortured Souls is the book for you! 


Monday, December 8, 2014

Jennifer L. Armentrout's WICKED *Release Week Blitz*

Wicked RWB Banner

 

We are over the moon excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Jennifer L. Armentrout's WICKED! WICKED is a New Adult Paranormal Romance and the first book in Jennifer’s Wicked Trilogy!


Wicked 

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks


 Synopsis: Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans. Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart. Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her. But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

  A picture of a fresh cupcak placed on a sensual female butt


 Excerpt:
It was him. Green Eyes. Ren. That was his name. Now I remembered. I started to step forward, but he beat me to it. Moving as quickly as a damn snake striking, he caught my wrists. He didn’t yank my arms to my sides. All he did was hold my fists away from his face.
A lopsided grin appeared on those full lips. “Can’t say I’m entirely surprised you took a swing at me.”
“Then I guess this won’t surprise you either.” Leaning back, I shifted my weight onto my left leg, but again, Ren outmaneuvered me with a quickness that was sort of embarrassing.
He stepped into what would’ve been a fantastic kick and forced me back against the wall. Then there was nowhere to go, no space whatsoever. My back was against the building, and the entire length of his hard body was pressed against mine.
Son of a bitch.
As if he could read my mind, that grin spread and the dimples played peekaboo. “Now I think we can have a conversation without me ending up bloody.”
I blew out an aggravated breath. “I wouldn’t bet on that not happening.”
He chuckled, and the sound rumbled through me. I couldn’t even remember being this close to a guy since . . . since Shaun. “Look, I’m sorry for snatching you off the street like a kidnapper, but you were about to make yet another huge mistake.”
His apology was lost on me. “Make another mistake?”
“Yeah, like the one last night that ended with you getting shot.” He dipped his chin, and the yellow glow of the light attached to the wall above us glanced off his broad cheekbones. “I know what you were about to do.”
“I didn’t make a mistake last night. I was doing my job,” I spat. “And I doubt your job includes grabbing chicks off the street.”
“That would be a hell of a lot more entertaining, but the moment you thought you could engage that fae last night, you made a mistake. And you were about to do it again, you little ass.”
“Little ass?” I sputtered. “You grabbed me off the street like a serial killer!”
“And I’ve apologized for that even though you should be thanking me. I just saved your life, sweetness.”
Floored, all I could do was stare at him for a moment. “You’re insane.”
“I’m a lot of things, but today I’m your fucking saving grace.”

black and white closeup of woman end man kissing  
Author PhotoAbout Jennifer L. Armentrout: # 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Novel Goodreads ** Goodreads

Thursday, November 27, 2014

*Update* #7

So, I changed some colors up around here, and I finally added my custom-made header. Now, I need some opinions on how it looks. Is the orange text too hard to read? Should I change it back to the light grey/off-white color I was using? Do you guys like my new header or was the old one preferred? Anything else you would like to see change? Please, please leave me some comments and let me know what you guys think!


**Edit** I switched the orange to a yellow color. I think that is easier to read. Do y'all?

Monday, November 24, 2014

Nocte (The Nocte Trilogy #1)


Nocte
(The Nocte Trilogy #1)
Courtney Cole

Release Date:
November 3, 2014

Publisher:
Lakehouse Press

Pages:
320

Source:
My Personal Copy

Reading Level:
New Adult



Description:
Save me and I'll save you...

My name is Calla Price. I’m eighteen years old, and I’m one half of a whole. 
My other half-- my twin brother, my Finn-- is crazy. 

I love him. More than life, more than anything. And even though I’m terrified he’ll suck me down with him, no one can save him but me.

I’m doing all I can to stay afloat in a sea of insanity, but I’m drowning more and more each day. So I reach out for a lifeline. 

Dare DuBray. 

He’s my savior and my anti-Christ. His arms are where I feel safe, where I’m afraid, where I belong, where I’m lost. He will heal me, break me, love me and hate me. 

He has the power to destroy me. 

Maybe that’s ok. Because I can’t seem to save Finn and love Dare without everyone getting hurt. 

Why? Because of a secret. 

A secret I’m so busy trying to figure out, that I never see it coming. 

You won’t either.

Teaser Sentence:
"...I'm not a trekkie. I'm a die-hard Whovian. I don't think I can be both."

My Thoughts:
There is not much I can say that the description doesn't tell you without letting in spoilers. And I absolutely do not want to spoil anything if you have not read this. Nocte is a piece of literary art.The story sucks you in, and the characters are well written and likable. I find that when you read a lot of books, the way most of us do, you tend to be better at picking up the subtle hints and predicting endings. I never saw the twist at the end of Nocte coming, And OMG was it a twist! It was definitely not something you could have predicted. My only fear with continuing this series is that the first book was so great I am scared the next installment won't be able to hold up to the first. I still have a lot of hope for it, and cannot wait for it's release date. I would give Nocte more than five stars if my scale went that high! I recommend you drop whatever you are currently reading, and start reading Nocte. You can always go back to what you were reading once you finish.


Friday, November 21, 2014

Just Breathe (Just Breathe Trilogy #1)

Just Beathe
(Just Beathe Trilogy #1)
Heather Allen

Release Date:
November 12, 2012

Publisher:
  ....... 

Pages:
272

Source:
Kindle Freebie

Reading Level:
Young Adult


Description:
Ever Harding, an average teenager with a passion for swimming is about to turn eighteen. Out of the blue she has been dumped by her long time boyfriend, which is the ultimate of tragedies in her life. Little does she know that on that fated eighteenth birthday, she will have to make a choice that will change her life as she knows it, forever.

A month before her birthday, Ever meets Jack, a mysterious new boy with mesmerizing eyes. He affects her like no one else. This meeting sets things into a whirlwind she never would have dreamed. With Jack's guidance she discovers a family line that leads her to the sea. She must make the ultimate choice, stay on land where life as she knows it, won't change, or go and live in the sea as a mermaid with Jack.


Ultimately her choice sets into motion an even bigger decision, in which she has the fate of a race of people, in her hands. The people in the sea are in a feud, she will tip the balance. She must battle the ageless moral dilemma of prejudice and race. Once she comes to terms with her life changing choices, she must ask herself, Did I make the right decisions? and Is Jack really who I think he is?

My Thoughts:
Ugh, I just don't even know what to say. I did not finish this book. I tried and tried and tried. At about 80% I gave in and just stopped. The first person point of view in this book is just terrible. It really was the breaking point for me. That and long run-on sentences you had to read twice to understand.
The main character, Ever, is whinny and annoying. Sadly, it's her point of view that the story is told from. I just could not connect with Just Breathe. There was no liking for Ever or Jack or their relationship. Some of the plot was likable, but over all, this just wasn't my book.
I did not get to the ending, so I have no idea if there are any big plot twists or cliffhangers. I was so miserable reading this book that I decided I didn't care to find out.



Thursday, November 20, 2014

Anomaly (Schrodinger's Consortium #1)

Anomaly
(Schrodinger's Consortium #1)
Tonya Kuper

Release Date:
November 25, 2014

Publisher:
Entangled Teen

Pages:
400

Source:
eARC

Reading Level:
Young Adult


Description:
Reality is only an illusion.

Except for those who can control it...

Worst. Birthday. Ever.

My first boyfriend dumped me-happy birthday, Josie!-my dad is who knows where, I have some weird virus that makes me want to hurl, and now my ex is licking another girl's tonsils. Oh, and I'm officially the same as my brother was when he died. Yeah, today is about as fun-filled as the swamps of Dagobah. But then weird things start happening...

Like I make something materialize just by thinking about it.

When hottily-hot badass Reid Wentworth shows up on a motorcycle, everything changes. Like, everything. Who I am. My Family. What really happened to my brother. Existence. I am Oculi, and I have the ability to change reality with my thoughts. Now Reid, in all his hotness, is charged with guiding and protecting me as I begin learning how to bend reality. And he's the only thing standing between me and the secret organization that wants me dead...


Teaser Sentence:
'I flicked on my light, shut the door, and my Benedict Khan and Benedict Sherlock posters welcomed me home.'

My Thoughts:
Anomaly is real-life science meets science-fiction with lots of betrayal and secrets. It was most definitely a good read. 

As a fellow science nerd, I really appreciated the fact that the sci-fi parts of the story were based off real science. It made for a more believable fiction book, which is refreshing when you are always reading fantasy. I really liked Josie as the main character. I could related to her. And her love for science and Star Wars and everything else nerdy. 

Some parts of the story were a little slow. The betrayals and secrets spread throughout made me want to keep reading though. I also love stories that have multiple points of view. I know some people do not like the switch, but I enjoy getting to see the story from another angle. So, having some of the book from Reid's POV was a plus for me. 

I will absolutely be on the look out for the next installment of this series. I feel like Anomaly was a lot of world/character building, and that the next book will be even better.



Sunday, November 16, 2014

*Update* #6

Well, the past couple weeks for me have been BUSY! I  cannot even begin to describe the level of tired I am right now. Anyway, I know the reviews have been slacking around here (as well as the reading). We have been short at the bar I work for, and I have not had a day off in almost 2 weeks. All that is about to change, and I have some awesome reviews coming up soon. Who has read Nocte by Courtney Cole? I am really excited to find some time to type up that review! I have a couple great reviews in the works, and one not so great. Make sure to check back to see which books get stars and which one you should probably just avoid.

Also, I want to do a giveaway soon, but I want to gain a few more followers before I do. So, let's say when I reach 500 followers on bloglovin' I will host a giveaway. Please share my blog with anyone you think may like to follow me. As soon as I hit 500 followers I will put up the giveaway post!



Monday, November 10, 2014

Stone Cold Touch (Dark Elements #2)

Stone Cold Touch
(Dark Elements #2)
Jennifer Armentrout

Release Date:
October 21, 2014

Publisher:
Harlequin Teen

Pages:
464

Source:
My Personal Copy

Reading Level:
Young Adult




Description:
Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life-no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who's pretty sure things can't get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.
But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla's powers begin to evolve, and she's offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She's finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay...  ~ Goodreads

My Thoughts:
It seems like not very long ago, during a live chat, that Jennifer L. Armentrout announced she was writing a series about gargoyles. And now, here I am writing up a review for the second book in that series. 
It's very hard for JLA to not please me. It has happened in the past, but not with this series! I loved Stone Cold Touch. Maybe not quite as much as White Hot Kiss, but I still loved it.
I guess I should go ahead and let it be known that I am team Roth. I like Zayne a lot as a character and as a best friend. But, as far as a love interest for Layla, I am Roth all the way. Roth is the crown prince of Hell, so I feel he needs a little good in his life. And he definitely needs some love. I like the idea of Zayne being a protector and friend to Layla.
Layla has definitely done some growing up. She has been lied to and betrayed so many times that she is learning she can't even trust the ones she always thought of as her family. Stone Cold Touch ends with her just about losing everything. I can't wait to see how she ends up handling everything in the next installment. Layla has grown so much as a character that I expect her to woman-up and take on the world.
This book has lots of twist and turns along the way making it stay interesting. It was very hard to stop turning pages. Bambi is almost a constant. (Who ever would have though I would love a snake so much) There is plenty of Roth and Zayne, some betrayals, and
the ending was OMG! I cannot believe we have to wait until next year to find out where it goes from here.


If you follow this series leave me a comment on which you prefer. Are you for Roth, Zayne or maybe even Bambi?



Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Salt & Stone *Cover Reveal/Giveaway*


Fire & Flood
(Fire & Flood #1)
Victoria Scott

Release Date:
February 25, 2014

Publisher:
Scholastic 

Pages:
305

Reading Level:
Young Adult




Description:
Time is slipping away...

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She;s lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying-and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place? 

Victoria Scott's breathtaking novel grabs readers by the throat and doesn't let go. ~Goodreads





Salt & Stone
(Fire & Flood #1)
Victoria Scott

Release Date:
February 24, 2015

Publisher:
Scholastic 

Pages:
320

Reading Level:
Young Adult




Description:
What would you do to save someone you love?

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when every one's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win. ~Goodreads






Now that you have looked at those awesome covers, and decided you want to read this series. Enter to win them! 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Anomaly *Trailer Reveal/Giveaway*

Releasing November 25, 2014


Reality is only an illusion.

Except for those who can control it...

Worst. Birthday. Ever.

My first boyfriend dumped me-happy birthday, Josie!-my dad is who knows where, I have some weird virus that makes me want to hurl, and now my ex is licking another girl's tonsils. Oh, and I'm officially the same as my brother was when he died. Yeah, today is about as fun-filled as the swamps of Dagobah. But then weird things start happening...

Like I make something materialize just by thinking about it.

When hottily-hot badass Reid Wentworth shows up on a motorcycle, everything changes. Like, everything. Who I am. My Family. What really happened to my brother. Existence. I am Oculi, and I have the ability to change reality with my thoughts. Now Reid, in all his hotness, is charged with guiding and protecting me as I begin learning how to bend reality. And he's the only thing standing between me and the secret organization that wants me dead...



 



About Tonya Kuper:

Tonya Kuper is the author of Anomaly, the first in the Schrodinger's Consortium Series, a young adult science fiction trilogy, releasing November 25, 2014 by Entangled Teen. She fell for Young Adult lit while earning her Master's degree in Reading Education. She's a mom to two awesome boys, an alt music junkie, a Star Wars nerd, and in love with Sherlock.

  Website    Twitter   






Goodreads Book Giveaway

Anomaly by Tonya Kuper

Anomaly

by Tonya Kuper

Giveaway ends November 15, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win



Friday, October 31, 2014

Dark Visions (#1-3)


Dark Visions 
(#1-3)
L.J. Smith

Release Date:
December 1, 2009

Publisher:
Simon Pulse

Pages:
732

Source:
My Personal Copy

Reading Level:
Young Adult




Description:
Kaitlyn Fairchild has always felt like an outsider in her small hometown. Her haunting eyes and prophetic drawings have earned her a reputation as a witch. But Kait's not a witch: She's a psychic. Tired of being shunned, Kait accepts an invitation to attend the Zetes Institute, where she can have a fresh start and study with other psychic teens. 
Learning to hone her abilities with four other gifted students, Kait discovers the intensity of her power--and the joy of having true friends. But those friendships quickly become complicated when Kait finds herself torn between irresistible guys. Rob is kind and athletic, and heals people with his good energy. Gabriel is aggressive and mysterious, a telepath concealing his true nature as a psychic vampire, feeding off of others' life energy. Together, Rob and Gabriel's opposing forces threaten the group's stability. 
Then one of the experiments traps the five teens in a psychic link. A link that threatens their sanity and their lives. And Kaitlyn must decide whom to trust...and whom to love.

My Thoughts:
 Dark Visions is a trilogy made up of The Strange Power, The Possessed, and The Passion. I read all 3 of these books together, so I am only doing one review.
I liked the basic idea and the plot of Dark Visions. In my opinion, this is a great series ruined by very unlikable characters. I hated Kait and Rob with a passion. I never saw anything in their relationship. There was no feeling in it, and it felt forced. I think Gabriel could have been better if we could have had more from his perspective. There was a lot going on there we didn't get to experience. Most all of Gabriel's interaction was him being a jackass. In the final book I did feel sorry for Gabriel. I still didn't like him, but all the dirty things Rob and Kait do make me have some level of sympathy for him. It also made me hate Kait and Rob that much more.
Okay, so to end my little rant here. I wanted to like this series, but the characters just didn't make the cut for me. I would not recommend this series. I am extremely happy I purchased it off the bargain rack.


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Ruin and Rising (The Grisha #3)


Ruin and Rising
(The Grisha #3)
Leigh Bardugo

Release Date:
June 17, 2014

Publisher:
Henry Holt and Co.

Pages:
433

Source:
My Personal Copy

Reading Level:
Young Adult





Description:
The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.
Now the nation's fate rest with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.
Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.
Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction-and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she's fighting for. ~Amazon

Teaser Sentence(s):
"We put on our best clothes, and die heroes." '

My Thoughts:
I am having a hard time coming up with a solid rating for this book. Overall, I absolutely love this series, but I did have a few problems. Mal was incredibly bland to me. I kept thinking throughout books one, two and three that he would grow on me, or do something that made me respect him as a character. That never happened. In fact, I was sorely aggravated when the scene with the Phoenix finally came into play. I do not want to give away any spoilers, especially the ending to the series, but this whole scene felt like a giant cop-out to me. I was highly disappointed in the the 3rd amplifier, and it lead me to dislike Mal a little more. (Am I the only one hating on Mal?)
 Well damn, so far I have made it seem like I hated this book. That is not the case. Ruin and Rising starts off somewhat slow, with Alina being held 'prisoner' in a huge underground cathedral. But the story soon picks up. We finally get an accurate account of what happened with Morozova. One of my favorite characters in this series is Nikolai. I absolutely favored him over Mal. I loved him as Stormhound, and I love him as the Prince of Ravka. He was by far my favorite character and I quote him often.
I would recommend this series. It's has great characters (with the exception of Mal), great creatures, and I loved the world Bardugo created.


Monday, October 27, 2014

Sweet Oblivion (Sweet #1)

Sweet Oblivion
(Sweet #1)
Bailey Ardisone

Release Date:
December 30, 2012

Publisher:
Self-Published

Pages:
386

Source:
My Personal Copy
(Kindle Freebie)

Reading Level:
Young Adult



Description:
 Nariella has a hard life. Hated and beaten by her foster father, she finds solace in the one person who has always been there for her--Rydan, her overprotective best friend. His sheltering only gets worse once Nari collides--literally--with Mycah. a boy being chased by two kinds of evil; a boy who Nari is convinced is either the devil or an angel. But she was wrong. He's something completely different.
 Then there's Namine. A servant who lives in fear for her family, for herself, and for the dying kingdom she lives in. But there is hope, and she's the only one who can bring that hope home to save them all. Namine will risk everything to make that happen, even if it means betraying her king.
People always want the truth until they have it. To be let in on secrets until they get burned by them. Nari is no different. But once she's kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately becomes intertwined in a secret world she never could've imagined existed. She knows there's no going back to blissful ignorance. And maybe she doesn't want to.
If darkness is the absence of light, what results from the absence of truth?
Nothing but Oblivion.
~Amazon

My Thoughts:
 Sweet Oblivion was an extremely confusing read. At one point I told my husband, 'I am 80% finished with this book, and I haven't a clue what is going on.' Most of the book felt plot less. I couldn't figure out what point the story was trying to make or where it was going. The chapters alternate between two point of views- Nariella and Namine. 
 Nariella is girl who is obviously in the real world. That much is easy to figure out, but she is surrounded by characters you know nothing about. Rydan has been Nariella's friend since childhood, but he is so silent and closed off the only thing you really learn about him is he is very talented with music. Then there is Mycah. He just suddenly starts showing up, and when he leaves no one can even remember he was there. Mycah is a very easy to like character. He has a lot of mystery around him that keeps making you want to turn the pages. 
 The Namine chapters give you very little information to help you figure out the story. It is easy to guess that she is in a fantasy world and not Earth. Other than the not-on-earth thing I had no idea what was happening, or even what the point of these chapters were. 
 Then the last 5% of this book happened. Everything started to make sense, and somewhat fall into place. It really left on a huge cliffhanger, but I loved it! I have not purchased the second book in this series yet, but I do plan to do it when I am able. I really can't wait to find out what is going to happen next. And I think I will understand what is going on better in the next book. The ending had several surprises, and really made the other 95% worth it. Sweet Oblivion was on it way to having a low rating from me, but in the end it was a major turn-around. 


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

*Update* #5 I'M BACK!!

 After having the blog on pause for well over a year it finally seems that I am back! I am super excited for this. I have moved to a new city, in a new part of the state, and now all my internet problems are solved. I have already started cleaning up around here, and looking into re-designing some aspects of the blog. I do not know exactually when my first review post will be. I have a few I have typed up and saved over the year. Currently, I am reading Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I may make that my first review since coming back. We will just have to see how it goes.
 As always, I am welcoming to any suggestions anyone has to offer on things to add or change around here. So, feel free to send me a message or a comment. (E-mail can be found on the About Me page.) So, I guess that's it for this update. I have missed my blog so much. I cannot wait to start connecting with readers again, and sharing the things I read!